Joule - Electra: Just How Hot??

Food for thought Gwng8, there must have been a reason that you considered the Joule in the first place. Aside from the heat issue, consistent with OTL designs, one thing that can't be denied, with the proper load, is the reproduction of music. If you haven't listened to the Joule you might first want to at least try auditioning before deciding, a very special amp.

Jim, Florida is still too hot for a Joule in my space, even in the winter, otherwise everything is great!

With VZN-80 or 100 you should have no problem with heat dissipation if you have 16" free space. You better audition these amps before discarding them. There is a good reason why many, me including, are crazy on Jud Barber designs...

Tubegroover, glad to hear all is well!

I totally agree with Dob. With the correct electrical load and careful system matching, the Joule OTL is truly stunning with its quickness, speed, clarity and presentation of the entire harmonic envelope. Give them a serious listen before you abandon them.

I have a 16" space, so minus 9 or 10", it leaves me with 6-7". With the exception of a Prima Luna & Mcintosh dealer, I have no other tube dealers for quite a number of miles. I am basically buying blind. I had identified Joule Electra & Manley as 2 compaies I felt would do the job for me. I have basically moved on from Joule because of the heat, & only 1 year warranty. I'm still considering Manley (even with so-so customer service)& now VTL. Why.....98% rock music....speakers to be determined.

Sorry to bring this antique thread back, however, i too just got VZN100’s, and the only issue i have is the famous buzz.

I also eliminate it by depressing the DC check button and jamming a toothpick. What a weird solution for such a highly regarded amp.,However im not sure if i can depress a single button on each amp since i know you can not depress more than one at a time- is it per mono block or one on each as well

I figure this has to do with the meter network... there is some RF or other sneaking through...

Is there a more technical permanent solution since then? I would assume that the solution should be fairly simple if depressing a button quiets the amp’s noise down... Could have been a much more fundamental issue with a goose chase attached (changing your entire house Power for a few thousand for example...)

Interested to hear about it. At any event these amps are really great.